be in waiting—
1. be in attendance on a person of rank:
- Esmond’s friend, Dick Steele, who was in waiting on the Prince, heard the controversy between the ladies at court.
2. be ready for service:
- Dr Sinclair, who was in waiting, had the man carefully examined, and it is wonderful to say no bones were broken.
lie in wait—remain hidden while preparing to attack:
- Police yesterday fired tear gas into a car to immobilize a couple alleged to be lying in wait to rob a cash-filled armoured van.